By Amy McCaffree
Cover photo courtesy of Amy McCaffree
The ADA-accessible Spokane River Centennial Trail in Spokane County provides paved terrain and many trailhead access points with ADA-parking and restrooms that’s ideal for anyone with mobility issues or for a group of family or friends of varied fitness levels and preferred activity (e.g., walk, run or bike) or mileage goals.
One of the most picturesque trail segments starts from Carlson Road trailhead in Riverside State Park, in Nine Mile, and heads upriver. Situated on a ridge above the riverbank, with a great water view, the trail is partially shaded by the surrounding forest. Moreover, its smoothly-paved-surface is plenty wide for safe, shared use among wheelchairs, bikes, scooters, skates and child strollers. Boomer grandparents—and, really, anyone of any age—with hip, knee or ankle issues can still be included in a trail outing without overdoing it. Others can walk/run or roll faster and farther ahead, and then circle back to meet up with their group at a designated point.
Five Trail Segments with Trailside Rest-stops & Turn-around Points
1. Bench #1: Not far from the parking lot, after a gentle downslope, this first bench provides a great view of the river. A short walk is better than none at all—enjoy the trail vibe while reading a book, playing cards or eating snacks.
2. Deep Creek Interpretive Trail: This spur trail has two access points off the Centennial Trail. Those who want a more challenging hike can take the singletrack trail and meet up with the rest of their group where it rejoins the Centennial Trail.
3. Bench #2: Continue down the trail toward Deep Creek Canyon to another bench that’s located slightly farther off the Centennial Trail via an open dirt pathway. Hydrate, eat a snack and enjoy the serenity.
4. Deep Creek Canyon: The entrance to the canyon is one mile from the Carlson Trailhead. Here you’ll find two picnic tables and a trail kiosk map. Hikers can proceed along the sandy-dirt Deep Creek Canyon Trail, away from the Centennial Trail. You don’t have to hike far to see the towering basalt formations, popular with local rock climbers. Non-hikers can enjoy a rest-break at one of the tables.
5. Deep Creek Bridge & Beach: Visible from the canyon entrance, a bridge crosses over the creek’s confluence with the Spokane River, which is technically known as Nine Mile Reservoir, just upriver from the dam at Nine Mile Falls. From the bridge, you can see canyon basalt towers and a wide river view. Just before the bridge, on the left, a short spur trail leads to a sandy beach. From this landmark, people can proceed farther along the trail for as long or far as desired before turning around.
Find more info and a digital map of the Centennial Trail at Spokanecentennialtrail.org.
